Tag Archives: Felipe Anderson

Manchester United have been given a boost in their chase for Lazio’s Felipe Anderson, with the reported news that the player and club have a gentleman’s agreement over his sale.

Anderson was upset in the summer after Lazio president Claudio Lotito snubbed a £22 million move from Man Utd, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

However, there is reportedly a verbal agreement in place between the player and his club should a big club come calling. He has a £57m release clause in his contract.

Bayern Munich and Paris St-Germain are also thought to be interested, according to the Daily Star.

Would it work?

Anderson has shown his talent over the last week, scoring a staggering four goals to make him one of Europe’s more prolific midfielders.

That has put him back in the shop window.

However, only a month ago, the press was openly discussing Anderson’s terrible start to the new season, and wondering whether, to use the Daily Star’s headline, Man Utd had ‘dodged a bullet’.

That followed a season in which he scored ten league goals for Lazio.

Anderson could be the sort of player to play both hot and cold, which would not bode well for a move to the Premier League.

Man Utd also seem to have found a functioning attacking unit in Anthony Martial, Ander Herrera, Juan Mata and Wayne Rooney, and may worry about upsetting the balance.

That said, if Louis van Gaal has decided that he does not want to pick Memphis Depay any more, signing a player like Anderson who could play on the wing would release Martial to operate up front where he is clearly better.

Rooney’s poor form means that that could be to the benefit of the Old Trafford side and their title credentials this season.

Rumour rater

Man Utd are thought to have had personal terms agreed with Anderson during the summer.

If Lazio denied him a move but are accepting of one in the near future, the player would be able to force through a switch.

It’s also not beyond the realms of conception that Man Utd would want a midfielder of Anderson’s playing style, as he would undoubtedly add more to the squad.